Epson launches the Moverio transparent head-mounted display

Recently in Japan, Epson showed off its new head-mounted display, the Moverio - billed as world's first transparent video eyewear. Users wearing the Moverio can see images displayed on a background of the real world, which could be particularly useful when using the glasses in public spaces, such as trains or planes.

The Moverio is equipped with two TFT LCD 0.52-inch displays, both running at 960×540 resolution, and a pair of earphones. The device is capable of simulating a maximum 320-inch image as seen from a distance of 20 meters (65.6 ft). MPEG-4/MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video files are supported in both 2D and 3D (side by side). AAC and MP3 audio files can also be played.

Running Android 2.2, the Moverio offers Wi-Fi connectivity, which gives direct access to YouTube and web browsing. There's no Android Market onboard, although some basic apps will be pre-loaded, including a gallery, music player, and web browser.

Along with the eyewear, the Moverio package includes a wired control box with a touchpad that allows users to control the unit's features. It's also equipped with 1GB of built-in memory, a micro SD slot, volume control, 2D/3D toggle button and a headphone out jack. The Moverio also comes with a built-in lithium polymer battery that is good for up to six hours of video playback.

Transparent design and features aside, it's hard to overlook the Moverio's goofy shape, which perhaps makes the unit a dubious rival to the likes of the Vuzix Wrap 1200. The Moverio is aimed at the Japanese market, however, which is sometimes quite surprising given Western standards.

Available in Japan beginning November 25th, the Epson Moverio will be priced at around JPY60,000 (US$772).

Is there a real technical reason why whenever they talk about these wearable video devices they always give you some moronic measurement? Why not cut this down to a 32" image at 2m???????

Timberwolf 10th November, 2011 @ 08:00 am PST

The technical reason is where you focus on the image. In this case they listed the maximum so the size sounds larger to the average person. However I don't think I want to be looking at anything 65ft away since I'm nearsighted. The industry should list the minimum to maximum distance of where the image can be viewed and set a standard size measurement for screen size listed at 1 meter away.

Matt Fletcher 10th November, 2011 @ 09:20 am PST

It's all virtual relativity. Some of this standard needs to include the screen resolution as well. 320 inches sounds impressive, until you consider the pixels are over 1/4" square.

johnnydfred 10th November, 2011 @ 12:00 pm PST

"The technical reason is..." I think the technical reason is that "More is better" is how people sell things.

I'm not sure what the "western standards" comment means but Japan has always had more cool things then we have. There are a few stores in the USA that only sell things made in Japan that are not available here. (And if you think the users manuals are hard in English...)

MikeFromHC 11th November, 2011 @ 08:57 am PST

transparent head-mounted display? What? My grandparents wear "transparent" sunglasses that are big enough to go over their regular glasses and they are smaller than these things. Fire the designer. At $50, I wouldn't be seen in public wearing these things. That guy in the picture wearing them can be forgiven. Men are idiots when it come to fashion but that girl? How much did you have to pay her to have her picture taken wearing these monstrosities? Unless you pay women, they won't be caught dead in these things. To quote my exgirlfriend about women " It better be good looking or we aren't going to wear it"

offthegrid 11th November, 2011 @ 11:08 am PST

we'll have loons driving with these on. vuzix is $300 cheaper and been in R&D for years. firm called iwear was the first, way back in 1993.